Trinbago Adventures – Page 3 – Travel With A Purpose

Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut

Posted on July 29, 2013by admin

It was a breezy tropical night on the beautiful isle of Trinidad. I was starving as my dinner time had already expired. There was so little time with my other engagement taking place in about 2 hours. I had to find a restaurant and I really was not settling for a typical fast food night. Finally, my friends and I decided to head down to Dinsley Junction. We turned left and continued on the main road. The hunt was definitely on for some quality food and ambiance at a reasonable price! I know way too much wishful thinking right! As we approached some food shops I saw a grill and pasta hut that looked clean and the car park was near full. I wailed for the driver and my friends to stop! We scampered out the vehicle and into Hafiz Grill & Pasta Hut for a very chillax evening!

The interior decor at Hafiz is chic but not overdone. The decor boasts of warm tones of red and green with chic chandeliers. The couches are perfect for customers waiting to pick up their order. The dining area also has some classy looks with details of glass tables. The seating at the window is accompanied by soft lit candles for couples or pairs. It stirs ample vibes for friendship, close family and loved ones. The music is hip and not too loud just enough to keep the ambiance lively without people falling asleep or turning it into a sports bar! Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut is fabulous for family and the loved ones to catch up on old times or spend quality time together. Obviously, they put a lot of thought into every stage of decor and site planning. There is even an employee outside in the car park for security and parking purposes. How cool is that?! Especially since that particular main road is always enveloped with traffic!

Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut has a variety of menu selections. There are lamb, fish, chicken combos, popcorn chicken, burgers, pastas, smoothies, dessert cakes and milk shakes. The smiling, dancing very skilled chef gives you the food! You can see what’s going on in the kitchen since it is directly in front of you.The price is right at Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut. There were 5 orders with drinks and we could not complain about the food bill because it was under TTD$200.00. The quantity is more than enough for one serving! Usually, when I order an overpriced dinner I never have leftovers. My pasta primavera was steeped in marinara sauce and I was able to have 3 portions from that one serving. My friends were surprised when they ordered combos and I was the first to be served. They anticipated that pasta would have taken longer and I would have been served last. They were even more astonished that the popcorn chicken came in such a huge quantity and was so yummy even including a side of fries.

I am such a food critic when it comes to dining out. I guess my experience from being around international chefs from high end hotels and restaurants when I travel can be blamed for this as well as my passion for hospitality and tourism. I look at customer service, cleanliness, ambiance, quality, quantity of food and pricing among other things. They topped my checklist. My friends and I all loved the “Hafiz Experience” . The owners obviously have a vision for this place and I can’t wait to see only better, more exciting and fabulous things to come from Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut!

If you are ever in the area I recommend Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut!

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

REPRESENT!!

Summer Love – Romance Isle Tobago

Posted on July 12, 2013by admin

So while the Brits are swooning, cuddled up and smooching in their parks we remember its summer time. While we do not quite have summer here we have two seasons and our July / August months are mistakenly and affectionately called summer. It’s that time of the year where we profess our love for the beach, the cooler parties and band launches and yes as the latest reggae/ dancehall and soca vibes have been crooning “couple up” season. There is no sweeter place to “couple up” than Trinidad and Tobago.So this time around I will definitely say cheers to our sister isle Tobago.

Unlike the party hard sister isle of Trinidad, our Tobagonian counterpart is better known for the most photographed jetty in the world. It has the more laid back attitude and even more gorgeous ambiance of coral reef waters and a very irie romance vibe. The beautiful thing about Tobago is this Summer love can last a life time because these favourable weather conditions exist year round! So you can let the beach waves romance you and dive into the spunky activities on the island like kite surfing, scuba diving or snorkeling. “Couple up” and sail out on a sunset cruise that ends with a beach party. Don’t forget to savor the warm sunsets while horseback riding on the beach or swim with the horses while the Caribbean breeze plays with your hair. An island tour can be done in a day so escape to your romance destination today.

If you are worried about dining options you can relax. The isle has intercontinental, Italian, German, French cuisines, island seafood and due to several indigenous influences it still has its own signature dishes such as curry crab and dumpling. Cocoa Estates, hoteliers, cafes and restaurants like Ciao Cafe or King’s Bay Cafe has enough menu options to keep you and that special someone steeped in interest so there is never a dull moment. So be sure to check out our food review experts online at Trinichow and make your checklist for your future visit to Romance Isle Tobago.

Summer Love is in the air and you have your ticket in hand already but you are unsure about your accommodation. This totally depends on your couple personality. Yes I said it couple personality! If you want to rediscover your romance and spark your love’s interest there are a plethora of options on the island with some unique twists. If you are searching for an eco resort then check out the salt water pool at the main eco resort on the island at Cuffie River Nature Retreat which is situated near one of the oldest rainforests in this side of the hemisphere, The Main Ridge. Cuffie River is the eco tourism resort model on the island and also an award winning resort for its sustainability. However, if you are interested in holistic wellness and spiritual bonding then you need to check out Kariwak which has complimentary yoga and tai chi sessions. Also they won the table talk food award for best lunch this year. Other than that there are luxury options such as The Villas at Stonehaven or The Magdalena Grand situated on an elegant golf course and former plantation.

An underwater love affair awaits my diving buddies in Tobago. My scuba diving fanatics, the Manta Lodge is your scuba haven. Tobago has several prized diving locations that are also available throughout the year. Mostly, the coral reef protects it from bad weather conditions and change in under water climate. . This island has been dubbed the Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe Island . The details in the author’s book suggest the island is near the mouth of the Great “Orinoque” River. The 4^th edition of Defoe’s book depicts a map of an island within 2 degrees latitude of Tobago. Crusoe’s ship is shown sailing on the North Coast of Brazil heading toward Barbados but also being in line with the ship wreck at Rockly Bay on the South West coast of Tobago. So this could very well be the Robinson Crusoe island. Get ready to be enchanted!

So darlings your summer love awaits you! Do savor the moment an act upon love’s true quest! Come to Romance Isle !

Come to Tobago Today!

Adventure tourism; Life’s an adventure… let the journey begin!

Posted on June 5, 2013by admin

Tired of living that old boring life yet?!

Are you living your life to the fullest?!

Do you need a new “pick me up?”

Well sugar muffin it’s time you made the leap

Yes the leap of faith over to…

The wild side!

Welcome to Trinidad & Tobago, a twin island famous for its industrial, manufacturing, business ventures, wild life, carnival, religious festivals and sumptuous food.

But guess what?! That’s not all!!!

It’s deepest secrets are hidden in an explosion of adrenaline pumping, high energy mind blowing adventure tourism!

Adventure tourism is a relatively new concept which depicts activities that range from low to high risks in a wilderness setting. These activities are packaged and delivered to the anticipating tourist or adventure fanatic who enjoys overwhelming satisfaction from their adventure experience. Adventure tourism can take the form of activities in the water, great heights and speed. Other destinations are becoming quite knowledgeable of the need to diversify their product and so they have been capitalizing on this new niche market, adventure tourism. In South Africa, there are many adventures to behold such as “The Great White trail.” Tourist take off to Seal Island just off the coast of Cape Town to go “ shark cage diving.” The unbelievable opportunity to see the Great White shark by snorkeling with other guests and professional guides shark in its natural habitat!

So is Trinidad and Tobago poised for adventure tourism?

Of course we are! Let me fill you in!

Technical driving, speed and car endurance rally up the teams because Trinidad and Tobago will take you on a quality stage set for rough gravel riding and dust blowing action! Caribbean drivers and their car rally teams come to “Rally Trinidad,” the event in the True Caribbean. Here they can enjoy the best of all worlds in one country and race professionally in the terrain of the exotic Trinidad and Tobago. Car rallying is an extremely competitive sport in the islands. Usually, the competition spans four days. The routes are mapped out from Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain and heads south then ends at Saith Park Chaguanas for The Mayor’s prize giving ceremony. This twin island state is the empire for full throttle action as only the best drivers compete for first place feats.

So, you like speed ?! Well you will definitely like our hydro adventures even more!

Imagine a 46ft catamaran blasting off from Trinidad’s foreshore. Then roughing out the waves to Scaborough. Saltwater spraying your competitors as you compete with other V8 engine power boats racing to reach the finish line and cop the title of winner for “The Carib Great Race Competition.” The adrenaline, the hype, the pomp, the prize and the bragging rights for a year. This signs and seals the sweet deal for using skill and mastering the art of power boat racing using machines built for power! Oh yes! Every year visitors from all over the world look out for this event. The event does not stand alone as a 6 day party which began as “Great Fete Weekend” leads up to and concludes “The Great Race.” The sister island Tobago is flooded with activity as the world is not only exposed to fine sailing and racing at its best but also the True Caribbean experience of diverse cultures coming together as ONE.

Do you ever hear that calling? Or feel the need to be at one with the Ocean?!

Well another budding tale of adventure for you mermaids and mermen is the artistry of professional surfing in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. International surfers come to the shores of San Souci Trinidad to vie for first place amidst their Caribbean neighbours. The conditions are perfected; weather, wave, wind. Then, there’s the local entertainment and food which sets the tone for beach bums and beach babes who gather to support their favourite surfer. Skilled maneuvers and powerful surfers become one with the water as they glide, slide, surf and soar through crashing five to seven feet tunnels of barreling waves. There are even bikini competitions for the beach body champions and those who love to goggle! Not forgetting the event is transformed into a huge street party with much merriment and unity.

It’s time to bring out your inner “surfer soul!”

The landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago were once part of the Amazonian jungle. So it’s only by default and pure luck that we have been blessed with the bounty and beauty of well sculpted mountains, hill sides. These add edge to our destination’s character; mystery and wait for it…..adventure! Oh yes I am talking about rock climbing! The most beautiful thing about a rock climbing tour is it sets you apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reels you in to become at peace with yourself and nature. You are introduced to a whole new world of challenge; a physical challenge of fitness, stamina, skill and hard core rock climbing fun. Igneous rocks, limestone and heights of twenty to ninety feet lure many tourists to book rock climbing tours in exotic Trinidad. Tours usually start off with treks in rain forests and climax to the designated walls and cliffs some of which are part of cave formations. “Point Gourde,” “ Screaming Capuchin,” “Rory’s Glory,” “ Majestic Macajuel” and “San Fernando Hill” are just some of the many fond rock climbing ventures in Trinidad.

Are you up for the challenge?!

Let’s go Trinidad and Tobago it’s time to set the pace and lead the race!

Adventure Tourism the way forward for The True Caribbean?!

It’s time to REPRESENT!

Are you in it … to win it?!